Wednesday, December 24, 2008

Most of our holidays can be traced back to their rituals which were based on the growing seasons from the sun.

For example, I suspect Stonehenge was built as a precursor to the Weather Channel. Planting time was crucial to the first farmers. Ask any Amish.

I’ve always admired the Winter Solstice. It is what it is – the shortest day of the year. That means all the coming days will be taller. Surely, a signal for glad tidings. More mead.

Over the centuries, many religions have risen out of the mists to sponsor special days like the solstices. Over time, we have misplaced the memories of the first time the early pagan looked at the sun and stars and exclaimed: “I can make some money with this.”

So take time this holiday season to remember the First Retailers, the pagans.

And know that in the fullness of time, the bailouts will eventually reach Main Street. Or is that just another holiday fable?